The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program kicked off the Fall 2001 Semester on Monday, August 27th with a reception and a special preview of the new galleries at the Yeshiva University Museum and Center for Jewish History. The new galleries include an exhibit on the Jews of Portugal and on the Jewish painter, Moritz Daniel Oppenheim.

The tour exposed students to an acclaimed painter and his portrayal of the nineteenth century, though he was, according to Dr. Will Lee, Acting Director of the Honors Program, "a complete unknown to every student."

Oppenheim is often referred to as the "first Jewish artist." He was the first classically trained Jewish painter and began his career painting portraits, most notably of the Rothschild family. Although Oppenheim worked on both secular and religious paintings, he portrayed Judaism, according to Lee, "powerfully and positively." The tour of the exhibit was led by museum curator Gabe Goldstein and was called, "Moritz Daniel Oppenheim: Identity in Nineteenth Century Art."

The evening began with Honors Program Founding Director Professor Frank Felsenstein welcoming students to the Program. Lee then explained why students who participate and complete the Schottenstein Honors Program "receive a qualitatively superior version of Yeshiva College's first tier educational experience." Following Lee's presentation, Yeshiva College Dean Norman Adler spoke about general opportunities that the college affords students.

The students also got a chance to meet Honors faculty and other guests, including contemporary Jewish artist, Toby Kahn. Prior to touring the exhibit, a kosher Moroccan dinner was served.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the Oppenheim exhibit, which Lee labeled a "genuinely educational exhibit." Calling the event a success, Lee explained that "it was an interesting, lively combination of the artistic and intellectual with a welcoming for new Honors students."